NASA Astronauts Conduct Historic Fourth All-Female Spacewalk
In a historic event, two NASA astronauts, Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara, undertook the fourth-ever all-female spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS). This mission highlights the increasing participation of women in space exploration, marking a significant milestone in the field.
The primary objective of the spacewalk was to perform maintenance activities on the ISS. The astronauts’ main task was to remove an electronics box known as the Radio Frequency Group from a communications antenna system on the station. This electronics box plays a crucial role in converting electric energy into radio waves, facilitating communication between the ISS and Earth.
Additionally, during the spacewalk, Moghbeli and O’Hara replaced one of the twelve trundle bearing assemblies on the solar alpha rotary joint of the station. These bearings are essential for the proper rotation of the station’s solar arrays, allowing them to efficiently track the Sun as the ISS orbits the Earth. This, in turn, ensures optimal collection and storage of solar energy for power generation on the station.
Notably, this spacewalk marked the first for both astronauts. Jasmin Moghbeli, serving as the extravehicular activity crew member 1, wore a suit with red stripes, while Loral O’Hara, the extravehicular crew member 2, was in an unmarked suit.
Looking ahead, station managers are planning another spacewalk involving Loral O’Hara and ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen. The objective of this upcoming mission is to collect samples from the exterior of the orbital complex for analysis. Scientists aim to determine whether microorganisms can survive in the harsh conditions of outer space.
These spacewalks not only contribute to the maintenance and functionality of the ISS but also provide invaluable data for understanding life beyond Earth. The fourth all-female spacewalk stands as a testament to the continuous progress and diversity in space exploration, with women playing an increasingly prominent role in these groundbreaking missions.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The India Today
